Zohran Mamdani wins Mayoral election in one of the hottest campaign races against Cuomo and Silwa. The Democratic socialist has a lot of ambitious aims; his environmental plans are not necessarily the focus of his plan.

According to Inside Climate News, Mr. Mamdani is largely focused on affordability and claims that climate crisis is intertwined with quality of life. A refreshing refocusing on how climate effects, not just the wilderness in some distant place, but right here in New York City to everyday people every day.

“Climate and quality of life are not two separate concerns. They are, in fact, one and the same”

– Zohran Mamdani to The Nation earlier this year

New York has faced a lot of climate challenges even this past week – when two people sadly passed from flooded basement apartment. From the increasing environmental chaos, the city and the nation must improve on sustainability and combat this climate crisis.

What is His Background

This firstly elected Asian and Muslim American, does in fact have a background in green polices. While a New York Assembly man, Mamdani supported the Build Public Renewables Act. Not to mention he was a leading figure when campaigning against new fossil fuel infrastructure, including the Astoria peaker plant.

Zohran Mamdani has also helped pushed to establishment the Build Public Renewables Act, All-Electric Buildings Act, fight off a fracked gas plant in his Assembly district (NRG) – which would have increases respiratory diseases for citizens nearby. As well as gaining $100M+ in operating funds for the MTA, while creating NYC’s first successful fare-free bus pilot.

His Plans for a Greener Future

A major focus on his campaign trail that we heard endless about are free buses. While the method on how exactly on how it would be provided is still in question. It would no doubt be used more often and is a greener alternative in moving about boroughs.

Another one of his least talked plan is his Green Schools for a Healthier NYC initiative . Here Mamdani plan on:

• Renovate 500 public schools with renewable energy and HVAC upgrades to speed up NYC’s energy transition and improve learning conditions.
• Build 500 green schoolyards, turning heat-absorbing asphalt into green spaces for all
• Create 15,000 union jobs for people who administer schools
• Transform 50 schools into resilience hubs, year-round community facilities that provide resources and a safe space during emergencies.
• Focus on out-of-date facilities, in addition to fighting environmental racism in NYC

Mamdani and his supporters aim not only to bring these initiatives to life but also continue the work he has done as Assembly man on renewable energy, the vision of Local Law 97, focus on disaster preparedness program, as well as continuing opposing ConEds electricity hikes.

What Now?

Although Zohran Mamdani’s victory in the race is thrilling ,especially to the youth who has an unprecedent amount of turnout – no doubt from his grassroots strategies. He has a lot of resistance and opposition coming his way. Let’s hope our new mayor is able to fulfill on his promises.